Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT)

Light has been considered a therapeutic agent for thousands of years. The use of specific wavelengths of laser light has been researched to show positive impacts on the body when fighting disease which includes in the area of pain management (i.e. red cold lasers).

There are specified medicines known as “photo-sensitizers”, typically non-toxic, which when exposed to such light become active (i.e. “supercharged”) and are either capable of increasing their therapeutic properties or more specifically become “activated” to help fight disease which includes infections and some cancers.

The biochemical reaction involving the photo-sensitizer medicine, light, and oxygen along with the complex and dynamic effects of this process within the body is called Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT).

In medicine this principle is not new and has been commonly used in the treatment of cancer, infections, and conditions involving the skin. A part of the reason why skin conditions have been the focus for PDT is the ease of location in targeting the therapy along with the fact that certain light wavelengths does not penetrate deep enough through the protective barrier of the skin.

As a consequence, LEMMO Integrated Cancer & Care Centre is exploring a laser technology device which is capable of targeting various depths within the body and blood to carry the light, when required, to deeper involved areas. In addition, there are discussions occurring, again preliminary, on how the use of various colour wavelengths when applied intravenously may also help to “energize” and support the blood as well (i.e. hemoglobin, white blood cells, etc.).

There is a growing list of research suggesting the potential benefits of using PDT for many malignancies which includes bladder, breast, head & neck, and prostate cancers. Some new data also implies that such a therapy may also penetrate those areas protected by the bone as well (i.e. brain, lung). Moreover, some commonly used chemotherapy medicines also appear to be photo-sensitive as well. As consequence, while quite preliminary, some research suggests that PDT not only may help over-come chemotherapy-resistance but also work together with chemotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies. Such treatment may also work along side hyperthermia and radiation.

PDT can thus help target the cancer from an immune-system response against the tumour or malignant processes within the body.